Asher Maslin sentenced to 24 years imprisonment for murdering former girlfriend Hollie Gazzard

ASHER Maslin, 22, has today been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Hollie Gazzard in Gloucester last February.

The judge, the Honourable Mr Justice Teare, told Maslin of Gloucester Road, Cheltenham that he will serve a minimum of 24 years in prison for the brutal attack on Tuesday, February 18.

Maslin purchased a knife before walking into to the salon where Hollie, 20, worked on Southgate Street. Following a brief argument, he then stabbed his ex-girlfriend 14 times. Despite the best efforts of the officers who were first on the scene, Hollie died from her catastrophic injuries.

The Senior Investigating Officer in the case, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Bean, said: “This horrific and violent attack was a spiteful and cowardly reaction by a self-obsessed individual who couldn't handle rejection.

"At the heart of this though is a young woman whose life was so cruelly cut short. You only have to look at the public reaction to this to see how much Hollie was loved and admired.

"The very public nature of her death has affected a great many people right across Gloucestershire and beyond. On behalf the investigation team and Gloucestershire Constabulary I would like to pay a special tribute to Hollie’s family who have shown immense strength, patience and dignity during a truly horrific ordeal.

"I know nothing can begin to compensate them for their loss, but I hope today's sentence will at the very least give them a sense of justice for what has happened and their unnecessary loss."

Acting District Crown Prosecutor Allie Longhorn said: “Asher Maslin made a cold and calculated decision to kill Hollie Gazzard, a young woman who only weeks previously he had been in a relationship with.

"The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with the Police to build a strong prosecution case against Maslin. Ultimately, the strength of the evidence resulted in him pleading guilty to Hollie’s murder and this at least spared many witnesses from having to re-live the horrific events in court.

"Domestic violence permeates all sections of our society and it is sad to see a young life ended in such a brutal way. Thousands of women and a considerable number of men in our country remain trapped in abusive relationships and this case tragically demonstrates just how dangerous such relationships can be.

It takes incredible strength to come forward and speak out against someone you love, but victims can be assured that complaints will be taken seriously and they will be supported throughout the Prosecution process. The CPS will work closely with the police and, where there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest, will always prosecute.

Nothing will compensate Hollie’s family and friends for the loss they have suffered at the hands of Asher Maslin but I hope the conclusion of this case and the custodial sentence passed will bring at least a degree of comfort.”